
A new study from the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy has revealed a startling trend: support for Western Canadian separatism is reaching levels not seen since the height of Quebec’s independence movement in the 1980s.
While the report, released on June 26th, clarifies that support hasn’t yet reached the peak seen in Quebec, the growing momentum is undeniably significant. The authors, Mark Milke and Ven Venkatachalam, draw parallels to the path leading up to Quebec’s 1995 referendum, where 49.4 percent voted for separation.
The study highlights that in at least two Western provinces, support for separation currently surpasses that of Quebec. Furthermore, the levels of support are approaching those seen during the Parti Quebecois’s 1976 election victory and the 1980 referendum on sovereignty. This suggests a potential trajectory mirroring Quebec’s historical experience, raising important questions about the future of Canada’s political landscape.
The report’s findings undoubtedly warrant attention and further analysis. The growing sentiment for Western separatism presents a complex challenge with potentially far-reaching consequences for the entire nation.